Madonna Jarrett (Brisbane, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Saturday night, it was my pleasure to present the 2025 premiership trophy to the Newmarket metro 2 women's soccer team. The team went undefeated for the season to take out the premiership, and, as a retired soccer mum, I really do understand what a feat that is. It wasn't their night on Saturday though. They did lose the nailbiting semifinal in a thrilling penalty shootout, but they can still hold their heads high. This is a big shout-out to the coaches, clubs, mums, dads, carers and, of course, the players for their hard work and dedication.

Community sports play such an important part across the Brisbane community. It brings people together and provides a purpose for our community. It teaches players and participants resilience, leadership, teamwork, the importance of lifting others up and the importance of being lifted when one needs it. Although I was hugely sporty growing up, soccer wasn't an option for me, but, at my local swimming club and lifesaving club, I found my peeps and I benefited, as the Newmarket girls have done with their sport.

Soccer is a rapidly growing sport for girls, spurred on by the Tillies during the 2023 World Cup and not to mention the upcoming 2027 Women's Asian Cup. Young girls can now see what they want to be. The Newmarket division 2 women have given the young girls at Newmarket someone to look up to and something to aim for, and, given a few of them have become Tillies, maybe there are a few more. Thank you to Ken and the club for having me along on Sunday. It was a night to be proud of.